Is It the End of an Era for Cleveland’s Burke Airport and National Air Show?
Updated: Sep 30
CLEVELAND, OH — The City of Cleveland has released two significant studies exploring the future of Burke Lakefront Airport, marking a pivotal step in the potential transformation of this prime 245-acre lakefront property. These studies, which focus on both the legal and operational ramifications of closing the airport, as well as the economic and fiscal impacts of redeveloping the site, were commissioned as part of Mayor Justin Bibb’s initiative to ensure equitable and accessible lakefront development for Cleveland's residents.
The first study, titled the Airport Layout Plan Narrative Report, outlines the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements that would guide the closure of Burke. It also reviews the financial and operational implications of such a decision. The second study, conducted by Econsult Solutions, explores the economic impact of closing the airport versus redeveloping the site. The report concludes that while Burke currently generates approximately $76.6 million in direct economic activity annually, much of this could be retained or even exceeded through redevelopment efforts. The most ambitious development scenario outlined could generate $92 million per year in economic activity.
“These studies are crucial in helping us understand the feasibility and potential benefits of transforming Burke Lakefront Airport into a space that better serves our community,” said Mayor Bibb. “The findings have reinforced my long-held belief that closing Burke is both possible and economically advantageous for Cleveland.”
Adding to this momentum, just a few weeks ago, Cleveland hosted the 60th annual Cleveland National Air Show, an iconic event rooted in the city’s rich aviation history. Before the air show became a fixture at Burke in 1964, Cleveland was home to the Cleveland Air Races, widely considered the first air show in the world. Starting in the 1920s, these races helped shape Cleveland’s identity as a pioneer in aviation. Today, the Cleveland National Air Show remains a major Labor Day tradition, drawing tens of thousands of spectators to Burke Lakefront Airport each year. See Cleveland 13's recent coverage of this year's show here.
The air show, which generates over $7.1 million in annual economic impact, holds a special place in Cleveland’s history, offering unparalleled views of aerial demonstrations against the backdrop of Lake Erie. However, the event’s future is likely tied to Burke’s continued operation. Its size and location are critical to the logistics and safety requirements of the show. Burke’s lakefront setting and unobstructed airspace make it the only viable location for such an event, which cannot be hosted at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport or Cuyahoga County Airport due to space and operational constraints.
The studies indicate that a large portion of the airport’s current economic activity, such as private jet service, medical transport, and non-aviation businesses, could be absorbed by nearby Cleveland Hopkins International Airport or Cuyahoga County Airport. However, certain events like the Cleveland National Air Show, which generates $3.7 million annually in direct spending alone, might be lost if it cannot relocate to other facilities.
The International Women's Air and Space Museum, located inside Burke Lakefront Airport, would face displacement if plans to close the airport move forward. As a vital institution that preserves the contributions of women to aviation and space exploration, the museum would need to find a new home. This adds another layer of complexity to the airport's potential redevelopment, as preserving the museum’s historical and educational mission would be an important consideration in any future plans.
The redevelopment scenarios considered include a "Maximum Development Scenario," which would retain 200 acres for parks and greenspace, alongside mixed-use developments featuring residential units, retail spaces, and a hotel. Under this scenario, the report projects an economic output of $92 million, significantly higher than the airport’s current impact. A more modest "Minimal Development Scenario" would focus primarily on parkland and recreational facilities.
City Council President Blaine A. Griffin remarked, “For decades, elected officials, businesses, and our residents have shared ideas about the best use of Burke, the property on which it sits, and our lakefront. The release of this report will allow us to connect quantitative research with the many thoughts and opinions shared over the years.”
While the studies provide detailed economic insights, the decision to close Burke is far from final. There is a formal process with the FAA that the city has yet to initiate, and Mayor Bibb has emphasized the importance of continuing to engage stakeholders. “These studies are just the beginning of a thorough and thoughtful process to reimagine a vibrant, thriving, and accessible lakefront for all Clevelanders,” he added.
Ward 3 Councilman Kerry McCormack, chair of the Transportation and Mobility Committee, also expressed optimism about the potential redevelopment, noting, “Our residents deserve meaningful access to high-quality public space on our lakeshore, including the land where Burke Lakefront Airport sits.”
9/16/24 UPDATE: Community Insights from Clevelanders regarding this story
The potential closure of Burke Lakefront Airport has sparked widespread reactions from Cleveland residents, with many sharing their thoughts on social media. A common concern raised by the community is the lack of public access to the lakefront. Many believe that the city should prioritize creating accessible public spaces along the shoreline rather than focusing on private housing developments. One resident noted, "We don’t need lakefront housing; we need a lakefront with decent public access," echoing the sentiment that too much of Cleveland’s waterfront is currently inaccessible.
Others have suggested that the 245-acre space offers enough room to accommodate both public parks and housing developments. Some residents have pointed to examples like Lakewood’s successful transformation of its landfill into the popular Solstice Steps as a model for what could be done with the Burke land. Many are advocating for the land to be handed over to Metroparks or the National Park Service to ensure it remains a public resource.
Financial concerns are also a significant part of the conversation. Several residents have highlighted the fact that Burke generates most of its revenue from office rentals and concession fees, with only a small percentage coming from landing fees. One resident observed that it is cheaper to park a private jet at Burke than to park a car downtown, fueling criticism that the airport primarily serves the wealthy. Others have questioned Burke’s viability as an airport, arguing that its role has diminished and that it functions more as office space than a necessary aviation hub.
There is also apprehension about the feasibility of building on the land, with some residents considering it to be a landfill. "Building housing there would just be an economic wash," one community member noted, citing the potential high costs of developing the site. Many are calling for a focus on improving existing areas in downtown Cleveland and the harbor region before redeveloping Burke.
Despite these concerns, some residents believe this is the right time to begin transforming the area. "We may not have all the answers on what comes after Burke, but this is a multi-decade project, so let’s get started and iterate as we go," one resident posted. They argue that while the process will be long, the current use of the airport is not the best option for the land, and Cleveland should begin planning for the future.
The fate of the Cleveland National Air Show is also a topic of debate. Some residents are worried about losing this annual tradition, while others believe the show could be relocated to Cleveland Hopkins or Cuyahoga County Airport. A few residents expressed that the air show has become repetitive, and that redeveloping the land might provide greater benefits to the city.
The community remains divided on the issue. Some are pushing for more public access and green spaces, while others see the potential for housing and mixed-use development. The debate continues, with many residents waiting to see what direction the city will take.
Additional news coverage on this, from other local networks, can be found at the following sources:
Signal Cleveland, "Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb makes moves toward closing Burke Lakefront Airport," Available online.
Cleveland.com, "Long-awaited Burke Lakefront Airport studies show closure is possible and economically advantageous, Bibb says," Available online.
WKYC 3, "Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb releases studies on future of Burke Lakefront Airport," Available online.
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